TNT Sports
Maria hails "amazing" win
By
Published 10/09/2006 at 04:25 GMT+1
Maria Sharapova was delighted to win her first U.S. Open title in her "favourite city" on Saturday night. The 19-year-old Russian beat second seed Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-4 6-4 to add the a second Grand Slam title to her Wimbledon 2004 triumph.
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"This is an amazing honour," the third seed said at the presentation ceremony after she had celebrated by jumping in to the crowd to embrace her father and coach.
"I am so happy that is here in New York, my favourite city in the world and in front of you fans.
"I figured I lost the last four times to Justine, so I figured I had to do the total opposite," she continued.
"But I have to congratulate her on an amazing career and reaching all four finals this year."
"And I would like to thank Billie Jean King for being such an amazing woman. I looked up to her as a little girl so it is a great honour that the tennis centre was named after her.
"Without her we wouldn't be here today."
Henin-Hardenne said: "I want to congratulate Maria, she played great today and the last two weeks and deserves her victory.
"The best player won tonight and I hope I'll have another chance in the future."
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